A Cross-cultural Conception of Urban Morphology

Recent advances in morphological studies of Chinese cities have contributed both to urban form research in China and the growth of the International Seminar on Urban Form (ISUF). Based on reflections on the new research exploration, this chapter examines some challenges facing morphological research on Chinese cities. The issues discussed include the inadequate understanding of morphological research sources, ambiguity in operational aspects of urban morphology in empirical research, the underdevelopment of morphogenesis and urban design, and the divide between relevant disciplines concerning urban morphology. Some of these challenges can be met by building on the established traditions of geographical landscape research.